BMS5014 - Research techniques: Molecular and cellular techniques - 2019

This unit is designed to allow students to gain the laboratory techniques and research skills in biomedical sciences at the level of molecules and cells, to develop their capacity for independent research within laboratories in the biomedical and health sciences.

Students will receive extensive hands on laboratory and research training alongside tutorials and lectures designed to give students a strong theoretical background. Laboratory and research skills will be taught in context of the skills of scientific enquiry and problem-solving to engage students in the framework for successful operation within a research environment.

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Proficiently perform biomedical techniques for study at the molecular and cellular level, and conduct research methods applicable to biology, biotechnology and biomedical science.
2. Explain the basis of the scientific method from building a hypothesis, to the importance of testing scientific ideas through experimental methods and the need in science to gain experimental evidence to test a hypothesis
3. Independently design appropriate experimental protocols for use in biomedical research - at the molecular and cellular level, by evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of different techniques for measurement and collection of data.
4. Apply scientific concepts on controls, replication, reductionist and expansionist approaches, sources of error and error minimisation, and the application of research ethics and integrity to molecular and cellular scientific data collection and analysis
5. Critically analyse and organise research data and methodology, applying appropriate research methods to study design, collection of data and data analysis in molecular and cellular biomedical sciences
6. Work effectively in a collaborative environment as part of a team in a laboratory setting to address a scientific question

• Pre-lab preparation assessment tasks (20%)
• Post-lab knowledge consolidation tasks (20%)
• Laboratory experimental reports (3,000 words equivalent) (40%) (Hurdle)
• Experimental design task (pairs task) (2,000 words equivalent) (20%)

Teacher-directed learning: Alternates between weeks of 10 hours / week and 3 hours / week on campus (laboratory classes and workshops)

Student-directed learning: 6 h / week

See also Unit timetable information

Biomedical science